New research indicates that regular use of this common over the counter type of medication can adversely affect a women's ability to conceive. According to Dr. David Silver a board certified Rheumatologist, "The mechanism of these affects inflammatory pathways that also play a critical role in the ovulation cycle and other stages of the reproduction."

As published in the the Journal of Rheumatology women who had been pregnant in the past as well as women who had never attempted to conceive were unable to become pregnant while regularly taking NSAIDs for arthritis related pain. After thorough investigation for alternate explanations, the women were asked to discontinue the use of their NSAID pain medication. In each of the case studies, women were able to conceive once they had discontinued the use of their NSAID pain medication. 

Objective. To highlight the possible association between infertility and treatment with long‐term non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAIDs). NSAIDs act mainly through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase, the enzyme that catalyses the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are essential mediators of ovulation, implantation and placentation of the conceptus.

Methods. Case reports of four women suffering from severe arthritis, on long‐term NSAIDs and undergoing extensive investigation and treatment for infertility.

Results. During the last 2 yr, four out of five women with severe arthritis and difficulty conceiving were counselled to stop NSAIDs, and they successfully conceived shortly after the withdrawal of NSAIDs.

Conclusion. NSAIDs, used largely for the treatment of rheumatological conditions, may be responsible for some cases of infertility.

Discussion